Aquino dismisses 2028 election rumors, remains focused on Senate work

Sen. Bam Aquino said that he is not eyeing any higher post in the 2028 national elections and is prioritizing his legislative duties after returning to the Senate in 2025. 

Aquino made the statement during an interview on Unang Hirit on Feb. 25, where he addressed rumors linking his name to possible national positions in the next election cycle. 

He said that it is premature to talk about politics less than a year after the May 2025 elections, where he secured a Senate seat. 

“Nakakahiyang mamulitika, napakaraming trabaho ang kailangan gawin,” Aquino said. 

“Ako personally, kakabalik ko pa lang sa Senate, isipin mo wala pa akong one year, ang nais talaga gawin, magtrabaho para sa bayan,” he added. 

Aquino stressed that his focus is on advancing measures on education and promoting transparent governance. 

“Palagay ko, iyon ang hinahanap sa akin ng taumbayan,” the senator said. 

“Magtrabaho ka para sa edukasyon. Isulong mo iyong mga panukala na magbibigay ng mas tapat na gobyerno mo. Gawin mo ‘yung lahat para iyong mga sangkot, makulong, mabalik ‘yung pera, magbago ‘yung sistema. Gawin mo ‘yun lahat para sa taumbayan,” he added. 

Aquino said discussions about future political plans should come at the proper time and not distract from current responsibilities. 

“Ngayong 2026, wala pang one year mula noong nakaraang eleksyon, trabaho muna tayo,” Aquino said. 

Aquino also rejected insinuations that he might run as the running mate of Vice President Sara Duterte in the 2028 elections, following the latter’s announcement of a presidential bid. 

He said any political alliance should center on public welfare and concrete programs that address education, health, and food security. 

“I think we, officials, especially since there are still two years before the next elections – we should be working on what the people need, and here, this is something we should unite around,” he said. 

Aquino returned to the Senate after winning the May 2025 midterm elections, marking his comeback after serving from 2013 to 2019.